STMicroelectronics, a world
leader in MEMS, has introduced its first automotive-qualified three-axis MEMS
accelerometer. The new device is qualified to AEC-Q100 for automotive applications,
fully leveraging its proven 200mm-wafer MEMS fabrication facility to deliver
leading-edge MEMS technology at competitive prices for system integrators. The
AIS326DQ accelerometer is the first of a range of products spearheading ST's
strategy to bring economies of scale from its market-leading MEMS business in
consumer to new automotive MEMS applications.

The AIS326DQ meets automotive-industry requirements for non-safety applications
such as vehicle alarms, tracking and monitoring, black-box systems, seat controls,
navigation support and antenna positioning. Its high flexibility and ruggedness
also benefit industrial applications such as vibration monitoring in heavy-duty
equipment, or shipping-container management and security. Key performance advantages
include user-selectable full-scale range of +/- 2g or +/- 6g in all three axes,
wide temperature range from -40 to +105 degrees Celsius, and 10,000g shock survivability.

Several features simplify design-in, including 3.3V single-supply operation,
1.8V-compatible I/Os, and an SPI/I2C serial digital output supporting direct
connection to a microcontroller. With 12-bit resolution, the AIS326DQ can detect
inclination changes as small as one-tenth of a degree. Further capabilities
include a data-ready signal to simplify system synchronization, as well as user-configurable
inertial wake-up, direction-detection and freefall-interrupt modes. The integrated
IC interface is factory calibrated for sensitivity and zero-g level, allowing
use without further calibration. An embedded self-test routine is also implemented,
which can be activated at any time to verify correct functionality.

The AIS326DQ is delivered in a 28-pin QFPN package utilizing ST's RoHS-compliant
ECOPACK(R) technology. Samples are available immediately, with volume production
scheduled for Q4 2008 at $3.75 for 100,000 pieces.